Planning Commission - 2026-02-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Central Southeast Area Specific Plan covering 2,067 acres between Downtown Fresno and Sunnyside, with land use changes affecting 119 acres (less than 6%) to increase housing capacity by 2,938 dwelling units. The motion passed unanimously with a provision allowing property owners who requested to retain current zoning designations to do so pending completion of additional environmental assessment. The plan repeals the 1971 Butler Willow Specific Plan and 1992 Roosevelt Community Plan.
Key Decisions (1)
Central Southeast Area Specific Plan Adoption
Planning Commission recommended approval of the Central Southeast Area Specific Plan covering 2,067 acres bounded by Belmont Avenue (north), 4th Avenue (west), Church Avenue (south), and Peach Avenue (east). The plan proposes land use changes on 119 acres to increase housing capacity by 2,938 dwelling units, including rezoning along Butler Avenue, Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Cedar Avenue, and Orange Avenue corridors. Five property owners requested to retain current zoning designations (Exhibit M), which was accommodated in the motion pending environmental assessment completion.
Zoning Changes (11)
Orange Avenue corridor (west side of plan area)
City of Fresno
Butler And Cedar (former Hanoian site)
City of Fresno
Cedar And California
City of Fresno
Portion of Fairgrounds at Butler And Maple
City of Fresno
California And Chestnut
City of Fresno
Butler And Maple
City of Fresno
Butler And Chestnut
City of Fresno
Cesar Chavez across from Walmart (Las Palmas development)
City of Fresno
California And Maple
City of Fresno
Tulare alignment (multiple small sites)
City of Fresno
Chestnut And Florence (Gandulia family property)
Gandulia family (represented by Dirk Kushel)
Development Activity (2)
Central Southeast Area Specific Plan
Long-range land use plan adding 2,938 dwelling units of capacity through rezoning 119 acres. Includes corridor revitalization along Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Butler Avenue, Cedar Avenue, and Orange Avenue. Focus areas include former UMC hospital site, Asian Village enhancement, vacant IRS site redevelopment, and California Avenue housing sites.
Southeast Fresno Sports Complex Park
49-acre park currently under construction providing park access within walking distance for plan area residents
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
The Central Southeast specific plan adds 2,938 dwelling units of capacity, with 489 units specifically designated for lower income housing, indicating strong policy support for affordable housing development in infill areas.
Housing Demand
Community engagement identified increasing housing supply for households of all sizes and income levels as a top priority, with focus on activating key corridors for mixed-use residential development.
Commercial Demand
Plan emphasizes corridor revitalization along Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Butler Avenue, and Orange Avenue as neighborhood-scaled Main Streets with mixed-use retail and community center opportunities.
Infrastructure
Plan area designated as low resource and high poverty on state mapping tools, with goals for sewer, water, storm drain upgrades, and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure improvements along key corridors.
Sentiment
Property owners of five parcels requested to retain current zoning rather than accept proposed changes, indicating some resistance to density increases in specific locations.